Invest: Tampa Bay to launch new edition covering regional economy trends

October 2025  — It’s hard to miss the momentum in Tampa Bay. From bustling cranes along the waterfront to startups finding their footing in downtown hubs, Florida’s West Coast is changing before our eyes.

Now entering the research phase of its seventh edition, Invest: Tampa Bay is going behind the headlines to capture the stories, strategies, and voices driving the region’s evolution. (Check out our latest report here.)

Through conversations with business, civic, and institutional leaders, the publication will spotlight how Tampa Bay is balancing rapid growth with long-term vision — in everything from housing and infrastructure to innovation and education.

“Tampa Bay is a fast-growing community of builders, dreamers, and doers,” said Abby Lindenberg, founder and CEO of caa. “The collaboration we’re seeing between public and private leaders is inspiring. From the University of South Florida shaping the next generation of talent to Port Tampa Bay anchoring international trade, there’s a shared sense of purpose about what comes next.”

The Tampa Bay metro area is home to more than 3 million people, and welcomes even more visitors to the region. In 2024, Hillsborough County recorded $1.16 billion in hotel revenue, up 7.4% from the previous year, marking the third consecutive year the county topped the $1 billion mark. 

Hotel occupancy in the county surpassed 80.3% in January 2025, demonstrating Tampa Bay’s position as a convention hub ahead of peer cities. Meanwhile, Florida as a whole saw 41.2 million visitors in 1Q25, sustaining its position as a national tourism heavyweight.

Within the business community, local governments and development councils are championing inclusive growth, ensuring that as the skyline expands, opportunities do too. From investing in public transit and sustainable energy to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, Tampa Bay is showing what it means to grow with intention.

Through in-depth interviews and data-driven analysis, Invest: Tampa Bay will highlight the leaders shaping the region’s next decade — and the collective effort that keeps its economy strong, resilient, and full of promise.

About caa & Invest: Tampa Bay

caa is an integrated media platform producing in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact events, and exclusive video interviews via its platform, Invest:Insights.

Invest: Tampa Bay dives deep into the people and industries that define the region’s growth — from real estate and healthcare to technology, education, and tourism. Backed by interviews with more than 200 influential leaders, the publication offers a panoramic view of the market’s opportunities, challenges, and future outlook.

Produced each year with one simple mission 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on the region for local, national and international investors, and 2) to promote the region as a place to invest and do business. Invest: Tampa Bay invites local voices to tell their story, in their own words, to a global audience.

For more information, contact:

Danielle Karlinsky

Executive Director

[email protected]

Melis Turku Topa

Editorial Lead

[email protected]

Want more? Read the Invest: Tampa Bay report.